‘All Inclusive’ mantra broadens rugby’s appeal

This means broadening rugby’s appeal to ensure it is inclusive and engaging to all ages, genders, abilities and communities, removing any current and future barriers to participation in our National Game.

In order to help achieve this, the WRU has launched a wide-ranging Disability Inclusion Plan (CLICK HERE for full strategy) which pledges to give a positive rugby experience to traditional and non-traditional rugby audiences through an inclusive and diverse rugby menu of opportunities.

This will entail close collaboration with a range of partners in the field of disability sport and the additional investment means inspirational coach Darren Carew has been appointed as Operational Lead for Disability rugby.

Darren, who received life-changing leg and brain injuries when his armoured vehicle was hit by an IED in Hellmand Province, Afghanistan, has already worked extensively as a WRU community coach around Wales. He has run a series of pilot WRU disability rugby programmes for children with special educational needs in schools, some of which have already led to the establishment of sustainable disability rugby ‘clubs’ or sessions outside school, such as DTagRugby in the Dragons region.

Now, as a full-time employee, he is driving an implementation programme and widespread training in order that coaches, referees, hub officers and WRU staff around Wales are confident and inclusive in their approach and can fully integrate disability rugby into their everyday work in schools, clubs and other environments.

Based on the proven success and benefits to individuals and their communities of mixed ability rugby teams such as the Llanelli Warriors and the Swansea Gladiators, another key aim will be to work with clubs, Disability Sport Wales and other partners to ensure there are opportunities to play mixed ability rugby throughout Wales.

There is also a commitment to provide additional support for other disability rugby groups such as Deaf Rugby and Wheelchair Rugby.

WRU Head of Rugby Participation Ryan Jones said, “We know that participation in rugby teams boosts well-being, social integration and physical health. We want to give everyone the chance to benefit from being part of the rugby family and that means increasing the amount of quality disability rugby opportunities on offer but also helping to change perceptions so that our rugby communities are more inclusive to disabled people, ensuring they feel truly engaged in our clubs and have a sense of pride in the contribution they make.

“Darren represents the essence of our plan perfectly. He gives everyone he works with true belief in their abilities and what they can achieve, working out a way of adapting the game so that everyone can take part.”

Darren Carew added: “I’m really excited about this opportunity. From my background in the military, I’m used to making a difference and I know I can definitely make a difference in this role to the disabled community in Wales.
“As an injured soldier, adapted sports gave me back a sense of purpose that I’d lost and coaching means I can pass that feeling on to others which is fantastic.

“Regardless of illness or injury, rugby is engrained in our national psyche, we all want to put on the jersey and be part of the game so to provide that to children and adults in Wales who perhaps haven’t previously had the opportunity is hugely rewarding.